What happens when the game is no longer the only thing defining you?

In this episode of REI Sports Network, Sydni Michelle joins us for a powerful conversation about building a career, a brand, and an identity that extends far beyond the court.

Sydni’s journey didn’t follow a traditional sports-industry roadmap. With a background in psychology, she found her way into sports branding and marketing, helped build the culture and digital presence surrounding Unrivaled, and has continued creating opportunities at the intersection of women’s sports, athlete branding, community, and entrepreneurship.

But this conversation goes much deeper than social media.

We talk about why young athletes need to start thinking about who they are before the ball stops bouncing, how authenticity creates stronger personal brands, why adaptability may be one of the most valuable skills sports teaches us, and just how many careers exist in sports for students who may never play professionally.

Sydni also shares insight into sports psychology, identity beyond athletics, building genuine community around athletes, creating sustainable content, navigating career pivots, and turning your own interests and “superpowers” into opportunities.

And one question sits at the center of it all:

“When the ball stops dribbling, what do you want to be known for?”

For student-athletes, parents, coaches, aspiring sports professionals, creators, marketers, and anyone trying to find their lane in the sports industry—this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• Sydni’s transition from psychology into sports branding
• Behind the scenes of building culture and community around Unrivaled
• Why athlete branding should begin long before a playing career ends
• NIL, social media, and diversifying athlete income
• Authenticity vs. performing for the algorithm
• Careers in sports beyond becoming a professional athlete
• Sports psychology and separating identity from performance
• Finding your personal “superpower”
• Adaptability, problem-solving, and navigating career pivots
• Sydni’s next chapter, including community experiences and pop-up events

One of our biggest takeaways: Your sport may open the door—but who you become, what you build, and how you impact people can take you places the game never could.

🎙️ REI Sports Network
Where Sports, Education & Opportunity Meet.

No Shortcuts. Just Miles.

What happens when a professional athlete and a community leader use their passions to create something bigger than themselves?

In Episode 7 of REI Sports Network, we sit down with NBA veteran Ish Wainright and C. Renée, the founders of Carz N Kickz, to discuss how a shared love for cars, sneakers, sports, and community has grown into a movement that inspires and serves others.

From Ish's basketball journey through college, overseas, and the NBA to Renée's passion for creating meaningful community experiences, this conversation highlights the power of purpose, entrepreneurship, and giving back.

We also explore Winter Circle Weekend, their commitment to creating opportunities for youth, and why building community will always be bigger than the event itself.

Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, coach, or someone looking to make an impact, this episode is a reminder that your platform can become your purpose.

• Ish Wainright's basketball journey from overseas to the NBA
• The story behind Carz N Kickz
• Why community is at the center of everything they build
• Winter Circle Weekend and giving back to Kansas City
• Entrepreneurship beyond sports
• REI Arena and the future of gaming in community events
• Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, athletes, and young leaders

"Follow your dreams, whatever they are."

"Be open, be flexible, and have fun in the journey."

"We really do run the world."

📱 Ish Wainright

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📱 C. Renée

Instagram

Follow Carz N Kickz and Winter Circle Weekend to stay connected with upcoming events and community initiatives.

REI Sports Network is the official media platform of REI Prep (Roadrunners Elite Institute), where sports, education, business, and opportunity come together through meaningful conversations with athletes, coaches, founders, educators, and industry leaders.

Our mission is simple:

Where Sports, Education & Opportunity Meet.

🌐 REIPrep.org

If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us continue highlighting the people making a difference in sports and their communities.

#REISportsNetwork #CarzNKickz #IshWainright #CommunityLeadership #YouthSports

What does it take to build a basketball program from the ground up?

In this episode of REI Sports Network, we sit down with Coach Devin, the inaugural Middle School Head Coach at REI Prep, to discuss what it means to develop student-athletes beyond the game.

As one of the very first coaches to join REI Prep, Coach Devin shares his journey, coaching philosophy, and vision for building a culture centered around accountability, leadership, discipline, and character.

Whether you're a player, parent, or coach, this conversation offers valuable insight into what separates great programs from good ones—and why developing great people will always come before developing great basketball players.

🏀 Coach Devin's basketball journey

🏀 Why he joined REI Prep from the beginning

🏀 Building the inaugural middle school program

🏀 Developing leaders on and off the court

🏀 The importance of culture and accountability

🏀 Advice for parents and young athletes

🏀 What makes REI Prep different

🏀 His vision for the future of Roadrunner Basketball

About REI Prep

REI Prep (Roadrunners Elite Institute) is redefining education through three innovative pathways:

🏀 Student Athlete

🎮 Digital Athlete

💼 Sports Industry & Leadership

Our mission is to prepare students for success in college, careers, and life—because sports isn't just a game...it's an industry.

🌐 REIPrep.org

Subscribe for more conversations with athletes, coaches, executives, educators, and innovators who are shaping the future of sports.

#REIPrep #REISportsNetwork #YouthBasketball #BasketballCoach #StudentAthlete